Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page 68

THE STATE lOlIlXAI. May 2. 1 976 erf to mejet again FOCUS on the Arts Committee on various problems faced by artists st, A 4 working "Through; art education, on a wide new audiences must be created, and artists brought out into the mainstream of society." IMPRESSED with the caliber of persons she remarked on an absence of. "those; artists, meeting the stereotype of egomaniacal, competitive and self-promo-, tional; there was little emphasis on commissions, sales, exhibits and personal gain, with a strong concern for artists basic? welfare." Major topics of discussion, she said, were "social services in matters of health, insurance, pensions housing and living standards, finance, credit, tax information; legislative and legal matters. "Arts equipment sharing, reasonable studio rentals, exhibition recital spaces and such practical matters were on the artists' lists.

"The needs of handicapped artists and encouragement for the very young career aspirant were also considered." ANOTHER observation by Ms. McMaugh could stand as the basic theme of the Artist Alert program: "Artists clearly wish the public to begin to understand that they, the artists, are also 'workers' and that art is not free." ing, to observe how the state organization could become involved. Other members of the Artist Alert steering committee are: Sue Caulfield, Claire Crandell, Diane Newman, Edith Hazzard Wright, Karen Woodruff, Phil Heald, Susan Cantlon, Mary Graham. Elba Philps, Matt Splro, Terry Terry, Marty Echinger, and Joe Zendell from the MCA: LACK OF communication among artists was prominent among the problems mentioned in the group discusssions and summing up at the April 1 meeting. Alison McMaugh, Okemos artist and teacher, who voluntarily prepared a report on the meeting, which was duplicated and circulated by MLFAC, wrote: "Communications between artists in different disciplines scarcely existed, and the studio artists were particularly isolated from pne another.

The plethora of magazines and journals added to the confusion, Und jif 5 Was agreed that there should be "common" knowledge among artists of-Where notices and information would be The high cost of mailing flyers makes it almost economical to have conferences and symposia. The media, it was, asserted, should be used far more extensively by visual artists." The meeting also showed up a need for "promotional measures on behalf of the arts, and for artists," Ms. McMaugh noted. A second meeting of Artist Alert, a pro gam to attack problems, shared by prof es- sional artists, will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Meridian.

Township. Hall, 5100; -Marsh Okemos. The meeting will be a follow-up of at gathering of about 115 performers or creators of various forms of art at Kellogg Cen-. ter April 1, sponsored by the Metropolitan Lansing Fine Arts Council (MLFAC). A MAJOR result of the first meeting was the organizing of a committee of art- ists, headed by Terry Henry, director of the East Lansing Arts Workshop, with sev eral objectives, including: Publication of a newsletter to exchange information and ideas among artists; Compilation of a directory of encourage and facilitate the use of artists' services by the public Access for artists to such services and benefits as group health insurance, a credit union and legal referral service.

v' CELESTE! RESH, ant in the MLFAC -office, who was named; an ex-officio member of the committee said last week that she already has JcoriK pleted a good deal of preliminary work, to-, ward implementing these goals. 'iVV-: Representatives of the Michigan (jfouncil for the Arts (MCA) also were at the meet- pgggig iiihiwiiiimiimuiiiii ill imiiiimi inmi nun Alison McMaugh with some of her paintings Artist group changes work in Meridian Twp. display Diminutive Detroit pianist now star in her own right A new exhibition of original art will be presented in the Meridian Municipal Building, 5100 Marsh Okemos, from next weekend through June 30, sponsored by an informal organization of artists kown as the Meridian Seven. The group comprising Dolores Kennedy, Elba Philips, Marilyn Raymond, Lola Roppel, Harriett Spira, Phillis Vestal and Dorothy Wells undertook a project in late March to decorate the public areas of the township hall with rotating displays of paintings, wall hangings, etc. THE NEW show will feature guest artist Alison McMaugh of Okemos, who will have a selection of her paintings in the Town Hall Room.

A Michigan resident for 10 years, Ms. McMaugh has exhibited in several other countries, including her native Australia, where she is scheduled to have an exhibition soon in Sydney. Since 1966 she has been teaching at various colleges in the Midwest, while continuing to paint. Her paintings are strongly color-oriented. Artists in the exhibition will be present at a free public reception at the township hall next Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The display may be viewed during the business hours of township offices, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on evenings when open meetings are held. changed not only her personal life, but her life as a musician. "It came like an earthquake," she said sadly.

"It's painful. But since our separation, my playing has changed. "I've had to think for myself, about myself as. a musician." A FEW months later she made her debut with the New York Philharmonic playing Ravel's fiendishly difficult "Piano Concerto in. to what could only be called ecstatic reviews.

It was after this concert that the New York Times wrote she might become "the present generation's first truly major American woman pianist" a prophecy many critics think her concerts and recordings since then have brought true. By STANLEY JOHNSON NEW YORK (AP) Ruth Laredo, a tiny Detroit "dynamo, has burst out of her wife-and-mother cocoon and soared across the musical skies as" probably the world's pre-eminent woman pianist. Just a few years ago her name followed the words "accompanied by" on posters advertising concerts by her then-husband, violinist Jaime Laredo. SHE LOOKED like a loser. "I lost every competition there is," she said in an interview.

"I went to Moscow and lost, Brussels you name it. I sure didn't come up the competition route." How she did come up was via 14 years of duo playing with her. Bolivian-born husband and a marriage that collapsed in March, 1974, and RUTH, WHO may now be hailed as probably the world's pre-eminent female pianist, is a gutsy half-pint from Detroit's inner city. Her mother is a piano teacher and her father, Ben Meckler, recently resigned as a high school principal. Encouraged by her family "I thought I had talent and so did they" she went to Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and studied with the prestigious Rudolf Serkin.

AT A recent highly successful concert in Lincoln Center, for an encore she brought her 7-year-old daughter Jennifer onto the stage from the wings, and the two played a duet of "Happy Birthday" not because it was anyone's birthday, but because it's the only piece Jennifer knows. Art Guild presentation Two in Library exhibit next Saturday through June 19. The artists, Rachel Smith and Lillian Wolterink, will be present at a reception for- Work of two members of the Lansing Art Guild wyi be featured in an exhibition, in the basement gallery of Lansing Public Library from i Little Pleasures Ruth Laredo, daughter Jennifer after encore AW mally opening the show Saturday from 1 30 to 3:30 p.m. MRS. SMITH, who has BA and MA degrees from Michigan State University and formerly was on the MSU faculty, has won awards in art shows in Canada, Washington, D.C.

and elsewhere in Michigan, as well as locally. She paints in oils and water-colors, and her subjects are landscapes, mainly impressionistic. Mrs. Wolterink, a part-time teacher, attended the University of Minnesota and Foothill College, and took classes at MSU. She paints mainly in oils, with landscapes her primary interest, but occasionally paints flowers and still life.

Her paintings are expressions of moods and ideas, rather than being strictly representational. The library gallery is open to the public without charge Wednesdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Little Pleasures Lucile Gates Namk Paintings RoseAnna Tender Worth Enamels OPENING RECEPTION 1 to 4 MOTHER'S DAY, MAY 9 SYCAMORE GALLERY Mason Plaza, Cedar Si. Mason .0 726 Church Flint 239-7351 Hours: Mon.

Sat. 10-5 CONVENIENT PARKING Marshall's Electone Festival Lilian Wolterink and Rachel Smith Art shown in area church FceQtrtios'LfS Www 3 cago Institute of Art and University of Chicago School of Art, Lucas has designed chancel and religious artifacts for St. Gerard Church and St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, and St. Michael Catholic Church, Grand Ledge.

Coordinator for the exhibit is Dixon Wilson, architect. An exhibit of ecclesiastical art and architecture is open to the public in the east lobby and corridor of Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River, East Lansing, now through May 18. The exhibit, sponsored by the church's Fine Arts Council, consists of photos, drawings and models of contemporary church architecture in the Greater Lansing area. Also included in the exhibit are original works of artist-designer Ronald J.

Lukas of Mason, who is well known for his liturgical art and adornments. A graduate of the Chi Quality Components Stereo SEoppe East Lansing MARSHALL'S has presented the Yamaha Electone Organ Festival for three of the last four years in order to recognize and encourage the many talented organists in the Lansing area. For many, the Festival is their first public performance. THE WINNERS of the Lansing Festival will compete in the Regional Festival at Chateau Louise, Dundee. Illinois on Saturday and Sunday; May 8 and 9.

There they may win $300 in scholarships or cash, and the riaht to compete in the llilkl rr LeeTalboys Algie Watkins Bill Sutherland On the evening of Monday, April 1 9, five local organists stepped into the spotlight to receive top honors in a field of 26 entrees in the Lansing competition of the National Yamaha Electone Organ Festival. This year's Festival, the largest andost successful to date, was presented by Marshall Music Company, 402 South Washington. Competition was held at Long's CONVENTION Center before a full house of enthusiastic organ music fans. THE WINNERS were: NataKe Riddle, 1 3, (Youth Division 13 yr. or younger.) Lance Luce, 16 (Youth Division II, 14-18 yr.) Gary Barnes, 17, won the honors in Senior Division I (16-25 yr Edith Nordlund (Senior Division II, 16 yr.

or older. Lucille Tuckey was first in the Hobbyist Division (amateurs over 25 THREE MEN, well experienced in musical performance and education were Festival judges. They were Lee Tal-boys, professional entertainer and recording artist; Al-gie Watkins and William Sutherland, professional musio 'educators. Contestants were judged on their performance of a prepared free choice selection and their own improvisation based upon a Festival prepared musical guideline. Composition and performance i were under a strict time limit Gary Barnes a free trip to National Finals in Chicago for a.

$1000 scholarship (or cash). PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH presents LYNNE DAVIS (Organist of Eglise St. Pierre-St. Paul of Clamart, France). in a dedication recital on the new organ built by Casavant Frires, Limitie you are cordially invited to attend WEDNESDAY 5 MAY 1976 AT 8:00 P.M.

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 2001 East Grand River Lansing, Michigan 48912 Senior Division I and II winners will play for additional prizes the International Gran Prix Concours, an event won by Americans four of the past five years; All other "participant7 Will receive a $300 Distinguished Performance Award. MARSHALL'S local Festival gave all entrees the opportunity to experience the- thrill: and fulfillment of a public performance. The winners now face ever greater competition in what is now considered an unparalleled music-performance event. The Winners: (L to R) Lucille Tuckey, Natalie Riddle. Gary Barnes.

Lance Luce, Edith Nordlu.id..